Surplus 3913 and 3914 - first look

[BAM-BAM]

18DAI... no offence taken.....just jerking your chain......LOL

I've just stayed away from the 147s.... and stuck with 124 Gold Dot.....will have to try some........

 

[Guevera]

I ran a fair amount of ammunition through the two pistols today: Blazer Aluminum and Blazer Brass. Also a handful of oddball stuff like Gold Dot, Federal 147 flat point FMJ, some +P, and whatever else I could scoop out of a tin full of pieces of boxes of 9mm. Not a single malfunction, not one. All four of the magazines seem fine, although I will replace those springs.

The 3914 turns out to be the dark horse (so to speak) of the two pistols and the one I like the best, which is kind of odd considering the longing I have had for one of those stylish stainless Lady Smiths with its classy gray grips.

I was examining the finish on the 3914 which looks a lot like the kind I have noted on 908s and 457s. It isn't bluing, but it isn't really like that on the Glock or modern Walthers or even modern Smith & Wessons. It feels kind of thin and is not generally wearing well.

Which does not really bother me as I kind of like that worn look, but perhaps somebody can tell me what exactly they do to these slides. I am sure the frame is just a black anodizing process of some kind - but how about what I see on that steel slide?

 

[Dot_mdb]

I have a 457 with a slide that has a finish that is only a little worn. I put some Kiwi waterproofing wax on it and I think it improves the appearance. I don't know if it really offers any protection. I don't carry that gun and I am not really concerned with getting a little wear on it anyway. I also think these guns look good after they develop a little character.

Bill

 

[18DAI]

Dot_mdb has the right idea. I use Kiwi black shoe polish on my 3914 NL to prevent rust. Regards 18DAI

 

[southerncomfort]

Thanks OP

Thanks OP for this posting. I have one of the 3914's on the way (this will be my first 3rd gen) and you have me wondering exactly what I'm gonna git in this box o' chocolates. Sometimes the anticipation is the best part...I hope to pick it up this afternoon and get it to the range this weekend.

 

[petepeterson]

I ran a fair amount of ammunition through the two pistols today: Blazer Aluminum and Blazer Brass. Also a handful of oddball stuff like Gold Dot, Federal 147 flat point FMJ, some +P, and whatever else I could scoop out of a tin full of pieces of boxes of 9mm. Not a single malfunction, not one. All four of the magazines seem fine, although I will replace those springs.

The 3914 turns out to be the dark horse (so to speak) of the two pistols and the one I like the best, which is kind of odd considering the longing I have had for one of those stylish stainless Lady Smiths with its classy gray grips.

I was examining the finish on the 3914 which looks a lot like the kind I have noted on 908s and 457s. It isn't bluing, but it isn't really like that on the Glock or modern Walthers or even modern Smith & Wessons. It feels kind of thin and is not generally wearing well.

Which does not really bother me as I kind of like that worn look, but perhaps somebody can tell me what exactly they do to these slides. I am sure the frame is just a black anodizing process of some kind - but how about what I see on that steel slide?

That looks just like mine, but it's missing the "chick" logo. I think the same person had both of our pistols. They're worn in all the same spots.

 

[southerncomfort]

Another 3914

If I can be permitted to add a little more fuel to the fire…I picked this 3914 up from my FFL this afternoon, serial # VATxxxx. It arrived in Texas by FedEx within 2 days of ordering (not too shabby for free shipping). I think I got pretty lucky with this one—the outside shows moderate holster wear, but the inside is pretty clean and the barrel looks very nice. It had obviously been well-cleaned before it was last put away. As a non-LS model, the slide has the ambidextrous safety lever and no "chick" logo on the side. Photos follow.

A few nice surprises (your results may vary): although the ad said 1 magazine was included, this one came with 2 mags, plus a plastic carrying case—award a few more bonus points to Sportsmans Outdoor (no, I have no affiliation, and this is my first order from them). The mags are in good shape and look identical, except one lacks the S&W logo.

As a first-time 3rd-Gen semi-auto buyer, I can see why these models have a loyal fan base. The action is smooth and the gun fits the hand comfortably. Once suitably test-fired, this one may be fast-tracked to my favorite/EDC status.

Any "must have/must do" suggestions for new owners?

 

[petepeterson]

If I can be permitted to add a little more fuel to the fire…I picked this 3914 up from my FFL this afternoon, serial # VATxxxx. It arrived in Texas by FedEx within 2 days of ordering (not too shabby for free shipping). I think I got pretty lucky with this one—the outside shows moderate holster wear, but the inside is pretty clean and the barrel looks very nice. It had obviously been well-cleaned before it was last put away. As a non-LS model, the slide has the ambidextrous safety lever and no "chick" logo on the side. Photos follow.

A few nice surprises (your results may vary): although the ad said 1 magazine was included, this one came with 2 mags, plus a plastic carrying case—award a few more bonus points to Sportsmans Outdoor (no, I have no affiliation, and this is my first order from them). The mags are in good shape and look identical, except one lacks the S&W logo.

As a first-time 3rd-Gen semi-auto buyer, I can see why these models have a loyal fan base. The action is smooth and the gun fits the hand comfortably. Once suitably test-fired, this one may be fast-tracked to my favorite/EDC status.

Any "must have/must do" suggestions for new owners?


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Yes, shoot it. Alot.

Nice pickup. I actually went to the 3914LS version from my trusty 3913 because I prefer the non-ambi de-cocker and the dark finish. They shoot about the same. I took all of the pretty parts off of the LS (sights and grips were like new, but there was a good bit of finish wear) and swapped them out with my 3913. It was like getting a new 3913 for $300!

 

[southerncomfort]

Yes, shoot it. Alot.

Nice pickup. I actually went to the 3914LS version from my trusty 3913 because I prefer the non-ambi de-cocker and the dark finish. They shoot about the same...

Thanks. I'd also prefer the non-ambi safety/de-cocker since I'm a rightie, and so's my wife. So...does anyone know if it can be swapped out for a left-side only? If so, where would one get the part, and is it a do-it-yourself job or should I find a gunsmith?

 

[Hill_Country]

I was examining the finish on the 3914 which looks a lot like the kind I have noted on 908s and 457s. It isn't bluing, but it isn't really like that on the Glock or modern Walthers or even modern Smith & Wessons. It feels kind of thin and is not generally wearing well.

Which does not really bother me as I kind of like that worn look, but perhaps somebody can tell me what exactly they do to these slides. I am sure the frame is just a black anodizing process of some kind - but how about what I see on that steel slide?

Birchfield Casy makes an aluminium black that does a great job of touching up scratches or nicks on the alloy frame on my 457 and 908. Degrease the area well and dab this stuff on and the silver disappears. No masking necessary, couldn't be easier.

I've also had good luck touching up wear marks on the slide using the BC cold blue. It matches the original finish perfectly. I took my 457 down to bare metal and now, with six or eight coats of cold blue, you can't tell it from the 908 with the original finish. Again, degrease then degrease again and again.

 

[GaryS]

There is no left side only decocker for the 3rd generation guns. At least I've never heard of one. I wish there was because I'd get one for my wife.

Thanks. I'd also prefer the non-ambi safety/de-cocker since I'm a rightie, and so's my wife. So...does anyone know if it can be swapped out for a left-side only? If so, where would one get the part, and is it a do-it-yourself job or should I find a gunsmith?

 

[XAVMECH]

Conversion from Ambi to LS-only decocker

Gary,
I've done this a few times now on my 3913's. No good reason for the spurred hammer, except that I "like" it that way. But as a RH person, I prefer the slimmer LH-only decocker. They're getting a little harder to find these days, but worth hunting around for. Plenty of 908's and CS series guns had them.
Bill

 

[GaryS]

You're right! My dyslexia strikes niaga, I mean again. There is no such thing as a right side only decocker. I was thinking of left handed people, like my wife.

If I could find a left side only decocker in stainless, I'd modify my 3913TSW with it. The problem is, I can't seem to find one. Although, from your picture, it looks like you used one from a 3914 or some other blued gun. I actually like that contrasting look. So, if I can find one in stainless or blue, I'll do that mod.

Gary,
I've done this a few times now on my 3913's. No good reason for the spurred hammer, except that I "like" it that way. But as a RH person, I prefer the slimmer LH-only decocker. They're getting a little harder to find these days, but worth hunting around for. Plenty of 908's and CS series guns had them.
Bill

 

[timn8er]

Gary,
I've done this a few times now on my 3913's. No good reason for the spurred hammer, except that I "like" it that way. But as a RH person, I prefer the slimmer LH-only decocker. They're getting a little harder to find these days, but worth hunting around for. Plenty of 908's and CS series guns had them.
Bill

Plus, it looks pretty cool, too!

 

[Guevera]

As to used pistols, I think it is good policy to order new recoil, hammer, and magazine springs from Wolff Gunsprings. It is easy to do and good insurance to return the pistol to its original specifications. You never know when somebody has been fiddling around with spring tension / weight, trimming off a few coils or who knows what. Replacing the magazine springs is a good opportunity to clean out that magazine body, too, and cleaning the follower.

http://www.gunsprings.com/home

 

[Poohgyrr]

Congrats on these pistols. They are handy pistols and should outlast all of us.